South Australian firefighters deploy to Canada
25/06/2025
Eight skilled firefighters from South Australia are deploying to Canada, to help battle remote wildfires in Alberta.
The 8-member deployment will depart Adelaide tomorrow, on Thursday, June 26, as part of a larger 103-member Australian contingent supporting the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre - the lead agency for the Alberta wildfires.
The South Australian group includes a CFS volunteer and staff member, along with personnel from the SA National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) brigade (four staff from the Department for Environment and Water, and two from Landscape Boards).
CFS Regional Officer Peter Ikonomopoulos, of Port Augusta, is travelling to Canada as Australia's agency representative for this deployment, his second to Canada.
The remainder of the contingent, listed below, will be operating as arduous firefighters and have been specifically chosen for their experience and fitness levels:
- Tony Pratt, Aldgate CFS
- Luke Ashworth, NPWS Brigade
- Joseph Gallasch, NPWS Brigade
- Paul Gillen, NPWS Brigade
- Nathan Moore, NPWS Brigade
- Renata Rix, NPWS Brigade
- Brett Backhouse, NPWS Brigade
Canada's wildfire season started early due to a hot, dry spring which has significantly escalated fire risk.
Currently, approximately 50 wildfires are active in Alberta, mostly in hard-to-access forested areas.
Fighting these fires involves on-foot crews, heavy machinery for containment, and significant aircraft support for suppression and transport.
This deployment is expected to last for up to 40 days.
Quotes attributable to Executive Director Operations Brenton Hastie:
"We are proud that South Australian firefighters are again supporting Canada in its time of need."
"South Australia benefits from these deployments as our firefighters gain invaluable skills that they can then utilise during our own Fire Danger Season."
"Canada's early fire season echoes concern we hold for the upcoming South Australian summer, providing insight into what we may face during the 2025/26 Fire Danger Season due to current soil and vegetation dryness."
Quotes attributable to Regional Officer Outback Areas Peter Ikonomopoulos:
"I am immensely proud to represent the CFS, South Australia and the nation on this deployment to Canada."
"Primarily, my role is to ensure our Australian firefighters in Alberta are well looked after and able to support our Canadian colleagues to the best of their abilities. I look forward to our team showcasing the very best of Australia's firefighting and incident management expertise."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Emily Bourke:
"South Australia has a proud history of helping communities in need, at home and abroad."
"Our skilled firefighters answered the Canadian call during their wildfires last year and are again stepping up to assist."
"Thank you to this dedicated group of South Australians who are pausing their own lives and to their families for their understanding and support."
Media are invited to attend Adelaide Airport tomorrow morning at 9:30am for interview and vision opportunities.
For further enquiries call the CFS Media Line on 08 8115 3531.
